Section IV. Disability Demographics and Employment Status

Findings

Estimates indicate that 15.2 percent of working age African Americans experience disabilities. This equates to between 138,000 and 140,672 Ohioans. Other estimates indicate that of the 31.2 percent of African Americans with disabilities who are engaged in the labor force, 35 percent, or between 10,764 and 10,972, are actively seeking employment at any given time. Therefore, in 2016 OOD served approximately 62.8 percent of African Americans who could benefit from services.

More than eight out of 10 working age African Americans (80.3 percent) reside in the following seven Ohio counties: Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, Lucas, Summit, and Mahoning.

Estimates indicate that 11.9 percent of Hispanic/Latino working age individuals experience disabilities. This equates to 29,240 individuals. Other estimates indicate that 16.1 percent (1,468) of the 31.2 percent subset engaged in the labor force are actively seeking work at any given time. Therefore, in 2016 OOD served approximately 47.3 percent of Hispanics/Latinos who could benefit from services.

More than six out of 10 working age Hispanics/Latinos (63.6 percent) reside in the following eight Ohio counties: Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lucas, Lorain, Hamilton, Butler, Montgomery, and Mahoning.

In 2016, there were approximately 2.5 million individuals ages 18 to 34 in Ohio. Estimates suggest that approximately 174,618 individuals in this population experience disabilities. In that same year, OOD served 16,179 individuals between 18 and 34 years of age.

In 2016, there were approximately 4.5 million individuals ages 35 to 64 in Ohio. Estimates suggest that approximately 661,433 individuals in this population experience disabilities. In that same year, OOD served 10,927 individuals between 35 and 64 years of age.

In 2016, there were approximately 1.7 million individuals age 65 and over in Ohio. Estimates suggest that approximately 606,101 individuals in this population experience disabilities. In that same year, OOD served 766 individuals age 65 and over. It is important to note that less than two percent of individuals with a disability in this age group are actively seeking employment.